Page 6 of Shadow

Once I’ve made my rounds, I make my way back to the barn office to look over the paperwork and check on supplies. Grain and feed are due to come in today and I’m relieved that I’ll have some physical labor to burn off all of my frustrations.

Until it’s time for me to go pick up our order, I busy myself and avoid Lindsey as much as possible. Doing my best to disappear whenever she’s near. Her close proximity is distracting and frustrating all the same.

While I’m tinkering with an old tractor I spot her out in the ring working on her jumps with Shadow. Hoping she can’t see me, I move around for a better view and watch as she moves seamlessly with her partner. It’s the first time since she came home that I’ve let myself breathe and really soak her in.

I’ve missed watching her in her element. The bond she has with her horse and how well they work together. On the very last jump, Shadow hesitates and nearly knocks Lindsey off. My body tenses and I hold my breath but she regains her composure and they try again. He still refuses and I can practically feel the frustration rolling off of her.

Wiping my greasy hands on my pants, I walk to the fence and watch closer. This time I see Lindsey tense and know that Shadow’s feeling it.

“Try to relax. You’re pulling and squeezing him. He can sense you’re uneasy.” I tell her as she circles around.

“Since when did you become the expert?”

“Been here long enough. You learn a thing or two.”

“Yeah, well. I’m not tense so you can just go away now.”

“What’s wrong Pony Princess? Do I make you nervous?”

“No, Garrett. You get on my nerves,” she huffs, guiding Shadow to the side of the arena. “Open the gate. Please.”

Doing as she requested, I open the gate and watch as she trots off with Shadow.

“I’ll be back for lunch. I think Shadow and I need a little alone time.”

“See ya,” I call after her and get back to work.

Our feed and hay delivery shows up right on time and I’m tossing hay from the back of the truck to the pile beside the barn when Lindsey damn near sneaks up on me.

“You look like you could use a cold drink and a bite to eat.”

My heart beats wildly in my chest. “Good Lord. Make a little noise next time and let a guy know you’re coming, would ya.”

“Oh, believe me, you’d have no problem knowing when I’m coming.”

Nearly swallowing my own damn tongue, I hop down and take the glass of sweet tea from her.

“I guess Neville and Kev aren’t back yet?”

“Nope.” She climbs up on the tailgate of the truck and sets a plate with two sandwiches next to her.

“Don’t get too comfortable, I’ve still got a lot to get done. But I appreciate you looking out for me.” I tap her nose because I know it will piss her off.

“Garrett,” she glares with fire in her eyes.

Mission accomplished. The sooner I can put space between us again, the better off we’ll both be.

“What is your damn problem?”

“Don’t have one,” I mumble around the bite of ham and cheese that I just took.

“So, are we just going to circle around each other and see which one of us can piss the other off the most?” she snaps.

“Sounds like a good plan to me,” I wink.

ChapterThree

Lindsey

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